Students Initatives
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Student Initiatives
Explore Carrick-on-Suir, in partnership with LEO Tipperary’s Student Enterprise Programme, is proud to introduce The Journey of an Idea—a five-year initiative for all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir. Launched on 7th October with an empowering Ideas Seminar, this programme will inspire students to transform their ideas into real-life actions. Whether it’s a business, a community initiative, or a project to enhance local vibrancy, this programme guides students through every stage, from concept creation to taking the first steps in making their ideas a reality.
Our mission is to inspire youth to think creatively and act boldly for the betterment of Carrick-on-Suir and beyond. This initiative is not only about entrepreneurship but about fostering the drive to make meaningful contributions to the community. Students will learn how to spark ideas, transform them into action, and see the potential of their contributions in shaping a thriving and vibrant town.
STUDENT INFORMATION PACK
Welcome to
The Journey of an Idea
Ready to turn your ideas into reality?
Where creativity begins, community thrives.
1. What’s This All About?
We’re on a mission to inspire you to think big, get creative, and showcase your entrepreneurial spirit! You’ll get guidance from business and social entrepreneurs, creatives, and marketing experts to help shape your ideas.
2. Who’s it for?
Every secondary school student in Carrick-on-Suir is invited to get involved—whether you’re in the junior, intermediate, or senior cycle!
3. What’s in it for you?
- Explore your creativity
- Learn real-world entrepreneurial skills
- Win cash prizes and spot prizes 💰
- Build a business that can make a difference in your community!
5. Sample Ideas to Get You Started 🚀
Stuck on what to do? Here are some creative ideas you can work on (no capital needed!):
- Freelance Social Media Management: Help local businesses boost their online presence.
- Digital Tour Guides: Use the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map to create fun, interactive tours for tourists.
- Community Storytelling Podcast: Share the unique history and stories of Carrick-on-Suir.
- Pop-Up Events: Plan local festivals, student open-mic nights, or themed tours!
- Content Creation: Manage social media or create blogs for local businesses or events.
6. What to Expect at the Launching Seminar 📅
We’re kicking off the programme with an exciting Launching Seminar on 7th October 2024!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Inspiring talks from top business minds and creatives, including economist Jim Power.
- Interactive Q&A sessions that are fun, dynamic, and engaging with the audience!
- A chance to start shaping your business idea with real-time feedback!
- Breaks for networking and brainstorming with other students.
The seminar will be live-streamed and recorded, so everyone can be inspired by the event. Each school will send 10 Junior Cycle representatives, 10 Intermediate Cycle representatives, and 10 Senior Cycle representatives to participate live.
Seminar hosted by Kirsten Mate Maher: Explore Carrick-on-Suir Social Media and Marketing Executive, Beat 102103 Presenter, 2018 Crowned Rose of Tralee, Entrepreneur
7. How to Get Involved
We’re inviting all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir to get involved! Each school will have a dedicated liaison tutor to guide and support you throughout the programme.
8. Prizes 🎉
The programme offers cash prizes, spot prizes, and certificates for each school! 💸. You’ll also work with community leaders to bring your ideas to life.
- Junior Cycle Prize: €300 per year
- Intermediate Cycle Prize: €400 per year
- Senior Cycle Prize: €1000 per year
Gain valuable real-world experience, earn recognition for your innovative ideas, win awards, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond!
9. Programme Schedule
Here’s the timeline of the events you’ll be involved in:
- October 2024 – Launching Seminar in partnership with LEO Tipperary Student Enterprise Programme 2024-2025
- November 2024 – Networking Events (beginning in November and running for the duration of the programme)
These networking events will provide opportunities for student-to-student, student-to-business, and student-to-organisation connections. You’ll also get to engage with town stakeholders, adding extra value to your experience!
- January 2025 – Presentation of Business Ideas
- April 2025 – Final Event and Awards Ceremony
Each step of the journey will help you refine your ideas, connect with mentors and stakeholders, and prepare for the final pitch!
10. Ready to Get Started?
Download the Students Entrepreneurial Handbook now for all the tips, ideas, and guidance you’ll need to create something amazing. Your Resource Pack is designed to help you build ideas and concepts throughout the programme. Use it to track your progress, jot down inspiration, and refine your business plan.
Jan 15
We’re inviting Expressions of Interest to run the café at the new Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre 🙌🏽 Visit our website to read more about the project and apply 💻 https://explorecarrickonsuir.com/news/expression-of-interest-cafe-operations/
#explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #visittipperary
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Jan 9
Follow the quest, uncover the gems 💎
The Three-County Itinerary takes you to must-see stops across Tipperary, Waterford & Kilkenny all while using Carrick-on-Suir as your base.
On the Quest Map, you can follow one of our pre-made itineraries, like the one above ⬆️ or create your own route, with the full journey and location info available every step of the way.
Use the Quest Map as your guide and discover more 🙌🏽
👉 https://explorecarrickonsuir.com/questmap/7
#visittipp #explorecarrickonsuir #ECOSquest #visittipperary #carrickonsuir
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Jan 7
Following today’s weather updates, we could be due another cold snap ❄️
Ditch the car and explore close to home 🏠 the castle park is a gorgeous place for a winter walk.
Find more local ideas on the Quest Map 🗺️
#ExploreCarrickOnSuir #CarrickOnSuir #ExploreLocal #WinterWalks
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Dec 28
It’s that time of year when nobody knows what day it is and the best plan is to get out in the fresh air 🙌🏽 🥾
The Tullahought & Kilmacoliver Summit Loop is just a short spin from Carrick-on-Suir. This moderate loop takes you through quiet lanes, fields and woodland before rewarding you with panoramic views from the summit ⛰️on a clear day, you can see five counties: Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow and Wexford.
At the top, take a moment to spot the trig pillar and the ancient standing stones, and imagine the layers of history beneath your feet.
It’s the perfect way to stretch the legs, clear the head, and soak up some fresh air before the New Year begins.
📍 Kilmacoliver Hill
🥾 Loop walk | approx. 50–75 mins
Discover more with the quest map ! 🗺️ https://explorecarrickonsuir.com/questmap/
#ExploreCarrickOnSuir #InBetwixtmas #QuestMap #ECOSquest #Carrickonsuir
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Dec 25
Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir 🎄
Wishing our wonderful community a peaceful, joyful Christmas.
Thank you for supporting local stories, history, culture and the small moments that make Carrick-on-Suir so special 💚
Here’s to more exploring together in the year ahead 🗺️
#ecosQuest #ExploreCarrickonSuir #VisitTipp
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Dec 18
As the shortest day of the year arrives, Knockroe Passage Tomb once again becomes the stage for a remarkable moment. This Sunday, 21st December, the rising and setting sun will align with the ancient tomb at sunrise (8:40am) and again at sunset (3:40pm), illuminating a site that has marked the winter solstice for thousands of years in the heart of the Linguan Valley ☀️
Throughout the day, guided heritage walks will invite visitors to step back through time and explore the stories, landscapes and sacred places of the valley. Use the Linguan Valley map to uncover even more sites nearby and make a full day of discovery.
The final image gives a glimpse of last year’s gathering, a shared moment of reflection, tradition and community at this extraordinary place.
Find out more about the Linguan Valley and plan your visit at explorecarrickinsuir.com
#WinterSolstice #KnockroePassageTomb #LinguanValley #AncientIreland #explorecarrickonsuir
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Dec 16
A huge thank you to everyone who made Tractors & Tudors such a special day ✨
To the Christmas Tractors of Carrick, Stuart and all his fantastic Team. Your generosity of time and spirit make Christmas in Carrick-on-Suir magical. Thank you to Deirdre for co-ordinating the kids Tractor Run.
To the South East Bikers – 29th Charity Toy Run, for the colour and heart you brought to the town.
To Tipperary County Council, the Municipal District, Marie and her team & Cathaoirleach David Dunne.
To Lorraine, Paul and the OPW team at Ormond Castle.
To our wonderful Tudor re-enactors
Dr Melissa Shiels, who so beautifully brought Lady Ormond to life
Claíomh – Tudor Living History, for the living history and weapons display and our Tudor Father Christmas, who delighted young and old alike 🎅
To the Voices from the Land speakers, who gave us a magnificent conversation:
David Keohan
Eimear Burke
Ben MacCaoilte
Mick Kelly
To Chez and all the vendors and sellers at the Ormond Castle Market, thanks to the Suir Valley Choir who sang beautifully and to An Garda Síochána and our incredible volunteers from Bridgewater House and to everyone who came along and shared the day with us.
Thank you for being part of it ❤️
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas
From all of us at Explore Carrick-on-Suir 🎄✨
#explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #visittipperary #visitcarrickonsuir #christmastractors
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Dec 13
South East Bikers Toy Run have arrived at @ormondcastleopw ! Get down and see them before they head ! 🙌🏽 ...
Dec 12
🎄🚜 Counting down to tomorrow! Last year’s Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival and Market was unforgettable, the entire town was buzzing and we can’t wait to do it all again! Events running across the day from 1pm 🕐 See https://explorecarrickonsuir.com/tractors-and-tudors-christmas-festival/ for more details on each event ✨ #TractorsAndTudors #CarrickOnSuir #ChristmasFestival #VisitTipp ...
Dec 11
Tractors & Tudors is back this Saturday ! See the full line-up over on explorecarrickonsuir.com! We can’t wait to see you all again 🙌🏽🎅🎄
#tractorsandtudors #explorecarrickonsuir #ecosquest #visittipp #visittipperary
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Dec 10
🎄 Christmas Concert at Ormond Castle - Free Tickets Available! 🎄
Saturday, 13th December
As part of the Tractors & Tudors Christmas festivities, Ormond Castle is delighted to present a very special concert with The Earls of Ormond.
This wonderful trio, Norah O’Leary, Laoise O’Brien & Mark Chambers specialise in beautiful 16th-17th century music, performed on authentic period instruments such as recorders and viols!
✨ Location: The Long Gallery Ormond Castle
🕗 Time: 8pm sharp
🎟️ We have a limited number of FREE tickets available!
Tickets are limited to two per person, so early booking is advised.
📞 To reserve your place, please call the OPW team on 087 339 7220
A magical evening of music in a spectacular setting not to be missed! 🎶✨
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Dec 5
Revving up the Christmas magic! 🏍️ 🎅
We’re thrilled to welcome the South East Bikers back to Carrick-on-Suir Saturday, 13th December!
You can catch them roaring down Main Street before their special stop in Ormond Castle Park, right at the Christmas Market ! We are expecting them to arrive between 2pm-2.30pm 🙌🏽 Let’s give them a huge Carrick-on-Suir welcome 😀
There is lots more happening around Carrick-on-Suir during Tractors & Tudors Festival 🚜🎄be check out our website for more details 🙌🏽 https://explorecarrickonsuir.com/tractors-and-tudors-christmas-festival/
#TractorsAndTudors #CarrickOnSuir #SouthEastBikers #ChristmasFestival
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Dec 3
🚜 the Kids Christmas Tractor Run is BACK during Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival & Market December 13th! 🎄
This year we’re starting outside Ormond Castle! The route will take place within the Castle Park grounds 🚜
🎄Who can join: Open to kids under 12.
🎄Requirements: All kids are tractors must be illuminated.
🎄Supervision: Kids under 6 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the run.
🎄Schedule: Meeting outside Ormond Castle at 5.20pm. The run starts at 5:40pm, travelling from Ormond Castle Gates around the park and back to the starting point!
We look forward to seeing you all again 🙌🏽🎄🎅
Learn more about the festival and market here https://explorecarrickonsuir.com/tractors-and-tudors-christmas-festival/
#tractorsandtudors #explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #visittipperary #visittipp
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Dec 2
Join the Team Behind the Magic!
We’re looking for volunteers to help bring Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival & Market to life!
To register your interest, email manager@explorecarrickonsuir.com
#explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #visitcarrickonsuir #suirwayblueway #thisiscarrickonsuir
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Nov 29
Voices from the Land: Panel & Conversation 🌱
Tractors and Tudors Festival Saturday December 13th in the Long Gallery of Ormond Castle (2PM – 4.30PM)
We are so looking forward to this gathering of storytellers and people rooted in the culture of the land, exploring our shared connection through folklore, ritual and tradition.
Featuring :
📍 Michael Kelly – GIY — Our relationship with the land, soil, biodiversity & local food growing.
📍 Ben MacCaoilte – Poet & Archaeologist — Poetry, Gaeilge & the memory of place.
📍 David Keohan – Indiana Stones — Irish stone-lifting traditions, folklore & strength heritage.
📍 Eimear Burke – Chief Druid, OBOD — Ritual, myth & Ireland’s spiritual landscape.
The evening closes with a shared panel conversation weaving all these threads together - memory, belonging, resilience, creativity, and the powerful ways in which land shapes people, and people shape land.
🎟️ For tickets (€5) visit Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/voices-from-the-land-by-explore-carrick-on-suir-tickets-1780653716199?aff=oddtdtcreator
🔗 For more information on the Tractors and Tudors Festival, head to:
explorecarrickonsuir.com
#explorecarrickonsuir #tractorsandtudors #visittipperary #ecosquest
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Nov 27
Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week’s Pubs of Carrick story telling session 🍻 and a special thanks to Padraig Sheehan who did a phenomenal job of facilitating the conversation 🙌🏽 What a night of stories, memories, and community. Now we’re excited to share what’s coming next..
🌾 VOICES FROM THE LAND – Ormond Castle • 13th December • 2PM 🌾
As part of the Tractors & Tudors Festival!
🏰 Step inside the walls of Ormond Castle for an afternoon shaped by story, soil, food, ritual, heritage, and the living memory of the land.
Voices from the Land brings together four extraordinary speakers — each rooted in their own craft, tradition, and relationship with the landscape — to explore how we live with the land, learn from it, work it, honour it, and pass on its wisdom.
This gathering celebrates community stewardship, ancestral knowledge, creativity, and the everyday magic of rural life.
🌿Voices from the Land - Panel & Conversation a lore of the land, exploring our shared connections in the land through folklore, ritual and tradition. Featuring:
• David Keohan - Indiana Stones: Irish stone-lifting traditions, folklore & strength heritage.
• Eimear Burke - Chief Druid, OBOD: Ritual, myth & Ireland’s spiritual landscape.
• Ben MacCaoilte - Poet & Archaeologist: Poetry, Gaeilge & the memory of place.
• Michael Kelly - GIY: Our relationship with the land, soil, biodiversity & local food growing.
The evening closes with a shared panel conversation weaving all these threads together — memory, belonging, resilience, creativity, and the powerful ways in which land shapes people, and people shape land.
📍 Ormond Castle
📅 Saturday 13 December
⏰ 2 PM (Doors 1:30 PM)
🎟️ Tickets & full event info now available
Tickets €5 Tap the link to book your place https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/voices-from-the-land-by-explore-carrick-on-suir-tickets-1780653716199?aff=oddtdtcreator
Come join us in the glow of Ormond Castle and be part of a truly special gathering of voices, roots, and stories.
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Nov 25
🎄✨ Tractors & Tudors Festival Saturday, 13th December! ✨🎄
Carrick-on-Suir is ready for a full day of magic, heritage, music, tractors, motor bikes & festive fun and you’re all invited! ❤️
Here’s what’s happening 👇
🏰 ORMOND CASTLE & CASTLE STREET
1PM–7PM Christmas Craft Market
1PM–4:30PM Free “A Tudor Christmas” Tours
1PM–5PM Tudor Living History with Claíomh & Melissa Shiels
⸻
🏍🎁 2PM – South East Bikers 29th Charity Toy Run
Hundreds of bikes roaring into New Street Car Park.
A spectacular festive moment for all ages! ❤️✨
⸻
📚🔥 2PM–5PM – Voices from the Land
Ormond Castle Long Gallery
Storytellers, tradition keepers & land stewards exploring our shared connection with folklore, ritual & place.
Featuring:
• David Keohan – @_indiana_stones_
• Eimear Burke – Chief Druid, OBOD @eimear_burke_druid
• Ben MacCaoilte – Poet & Archaeologist @benmaccaoiltepoet
• G.I.Y / Grow HQ – Sustainable Farming @grow_hq
Panel Discussion recorded for the Heritage Centre Oral History Collection.
Ticketed event. Tickets go on sale shortly keep an eye on our socials 🙌🏽
⸻
🚜✨ 5PM–7PM – 12th Annual Christmas Tractor Run
Piltown → Fiddown → Portlaw → Clonea → Rathgormack → Arriving Carrick @ 7PM
5:40PM – Kids’ Tractor Run (Castle Park Green)
⸻
🎶❤️ 5PM – Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Ormond Castle
With the Suir Valley Choir 🎵
⸻
🎧🎉 6PM–8PM – BEAT Street Party
New Street Car Park
Music, entertainment & the illuminated tractors on display from 7PM!
⸻
✨ FREE • FAMILY FRIENDLY • EVERYONE WELCOME
✨ Saturday 13th December | 1PM–8PM | Carrick-on-Suir
PLEASE TAG & SHARE Let’s make it a day to remember ❤️💛
#TractorsAndTudorsFestival #CarrickOnSuir #explorecarrickonsuir #ChristmasInCarrick #ECOSQuest
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Nov 19
📣 Happening tomorrow night!
We have added 5 more tickets for The Pubs of Carrick: Past & Present at Christy’s in The Strand Theatre Bar, 7.30pm. 🍻
Join us for a warm, lively evening of stories, memories, and local history as we celebrate the pubs that helped shape Carrick-on-Suir, past and present. Expect great tales and plenty of nostalgia. Come down for a bit of craic, a pint and sure we might even get a sing song going who knows 🙌🏽
It’s a free event, but booking is essential, grab one of the last spots while you can! 🔗✨BOOK HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-pubs-of-carrick-past-present-oral-story-telling-event-tickets-1780366296519?sg=1d131024caa3e4fd9ae63efb8b9d4748a266c113fc0997edc38eaf3e988bc78664f9232770b3bfccdcba73dd2c3012b387e497d929ba5dba5ad830104d4c3e7234ed05ee3d94b1bf5583ad1d50f4&aff=ebdsshios
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Nov 7
🎉 We’re delighted to announce that Explore Carrick-on-Suir has been for the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025! 🎉
We’re so proud to represent our community and to celebrate the spirit, collaboration, and pride that make Carrick-on-Suir such a special place to live, work, and visit. 💚
Tune into the livestream at www.prideofplace.ie tonight to join us and support our community as we take part in this year’s celebrations!
#IPBPOP2025
@cooperationireland @ipb_insurance @Limerick_IPBPoP @limerick.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
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Nov 4
Join us for our next storytelling event “The Pubs of Carrick: Past & Present”
📍Christy’s at The Strand Theatre Bar
🕣Thursday 20th November 7:30pm
Join us for a lively evening of memories, laughter, and local legends as we celebrate the pubs of Carrick-on-Suir, the ones still pouring pints today, and those long gone but never forgotten.
From the 1920s to the present day, our town’s pubs have been the beating heart of community life - places where friendships were forged, music was shared, and stories became part of who we are.
This special session will feature first-hand voices from publicans past and present, along with rare photographs, projections, and video clips that bring decades of craic and camaraderie back to life.
Come along to:
• Hear stories from inside the bar counter
• Rediscover familiar rooms and faces
• Celebrate the role pubs have played in shaping Carrick’s social history
Free event: booking essential
Spaces are limited, so grab your ticket early! Book here : https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-pubs-of-carrick-
past-present-oral-story-telling-event-tickets-1780366296519?aff=oddtdtcreator
Do you recognise anyone in these photos ? 🙌🏽
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